PETER MONGAN FROM LONDONDERRY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG AND HARASSMENT

Peter James Mongan, born on 24 May 1996 and residing on Maureen Avenue in Londonderry, was convicted of a series of disturbing offences involving his former partner and their pet dog. The incidents, which occurred on 29 May 2019, revealed a pattern of threatening behavior and animal cruelty that shocked the local community and drew the attention of the court.

According to court records, Mongan, who hails from a well-known traveller family in Londonderry, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog named Bobby. The case was particularly distressing because it involved not only the physical abuse of the animal but also threats directed at his former partner. The woman involved testified that Mongan had sent her threatening text messages, demanding she come to his flat and spend the night there. She refused, and in response, Mongan sent her messages explicitly stating that he would harm their dog if she did not comply.

Further evidence presented in court included two videos showing Mongan kicking Bobby. In one of the videos, he can be heard asking, “Can you see this?” as he continues to assault the dog. The footage was shown to Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers prior to sentencing, highlighting the severity of the cruelty involved.

In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Mongan, who has a lengthy criminal record with 54 previous convictions, admitted to harassing his former girlfriend. He sent her a mobile phone message with the clear intention of causing her anxiety and distress. These offences, which took place on the same day, underscored a pattern of aggressive and threatening behavior.

During the court proceedings, Mongan’s defense lawyer, Eoghan Devlin, acknowledged the gravity of the offences and accepted that custody was inevitable. “They are ugly offences and there is no getting away from that,” he stated.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Mongan to seven months in prison. Additionally, he was disqualified from owning any animals for a period of five years, a ban that will expire in July 2024. The case has once again brought to light concerns about animal cruelty and domestic harassment in Londonderry, prompting calls for continued vigilance and enforcement of animal protection laws.